A new application has emerged for a data center on Green Belt land located between Basildon and Wickford, Essex, with a revised design and smaller footprint. Developer Caineal initially submitted plans for the project in December 2023 but has since scaled back the proposal. The revised development will be confined to one side of Old Nevendon Road, significantly reducing the planned footprint compared to the original application.
Location and Scope of the Revised Data Center Project
The site, spanning 1.8 hectares of Green Belt land, is situated near the A127 road, a key arterial route connecting Basildon and Wickford. The proposed data center is strategically located to take advantage of its proximity to the main road while minimizing its environmental impact on the surrounding Green Belt area. The project now includes provisions for public spaces and sports pitches, although specifics on these elements remain vague at this stage.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening
The developer submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening application on December 16, 2024, as a precursor to the full planning application. While the screening document outlines some aspects of the development, many critical details remain undisclosed. The original plans proposed a data center with 18,330 sqm (197,302 sq ft) of floor space, including an energy center, electrical substation, and backup generators with fuel storage. However, the specifics of the data center’s IT capacity, as well as its energy sourcing and power requirements, are yet to be revealed.
Community and Environmental Concerns
Local authorities and community members have voiced concerns about the impact of the development on the Green Belt. Councilor George Jeffery, representing Wickford, emphasized the potential risks of eroding the natural separation between Basildon and Wickford, warning that the proposed development could lead to the unintended merging of the two towns. Despite acknowledging the potential for job creation—up to 120 permanent roles—the councilor stressed the importance of ensuring the project is executed responsibly, with clear assurances regarding its environmental and infrastructural implications.
The Role of Green Belt Land in Data Center Development
The UK government has increasingly embraced the concept of “Grey Belt” land for data center projects, especially land situated near major roads or on the periphery of urban areas. This shift aims to foster economic growth and bolster the digital infrastructure essential for the modern economy. The Basildon project fits into this trend, as the government seeks to encourage data center investments through relaxed planning restrictions for such sites. This trend reflects the government’s strategic push to strengthen the UK’s digital infrastructure in line with global demand for data center capacity.
Industry Context: Data Centers and Green Belt Land
Recent decisions, such as the approval of a data center in Iver, Surrey, despite initial objections from the local council, highlight the growing trend of repurposing Green Belt land for data center construction. The UK’s pro-digital infrastructure stance has increasingly paved the way for such developments, even in areas traditionally protected for their environmental value.
Developer’s Vision and Future Applications
Caineal LLP, the firm behind the Basildon data center proposal, is committed to enhancing digital infrastructure in the UK. However, the revised plans have yet to provide full transparency on the technological aspects of the project, including energy sourcing, server capacities, and backup power strategies. The development’s long-term environmental impact remains a key area of focus, with stakeholders expecting more detailed plans and assurances as the application progresses.
Role of Caineal’s Directors in Data Center Projects
Caineal LLP is led by Mathew Bacon and Colin Hyde, who are also directors at ARC:MC, an architectural and engineering firm specializing in data centers. ARC:MC has a proven track record of delivering data center projects for major industry players such as Virtus, Mace Technology, and Anova Data Centres. Their expertise in data center design and construction will likely play a critical role in the development of the Basildon site, ensuring that the project meets industry standards for efficiency, sustainability, and operational excellence.
The Future of Green Belt Land Development
As demand for data centers continues to rise, the debate over the use of Green Belt land for such developments is set to intensify. While data centers are critical to supporting the digital economy, the challenge will be to balance development with environmental preservation. With key sites near urban areas and major roads becoming increasingly attractive for data center development, local authorities, developers, and environmental groups will need to collaborate to ensure these projects are beneficial to both the economy and the environment.
FAQ: Key Questions about the Basildon Data Center Project
1. What is the scale of the proposed data center in Basildon?
The revised application for the Basildon site proposes a smaller data center footprint, focusing on one side of Old Nevendon Road, with an area of 1.8 hectares. It initially envisioned a 197,302 sq ft building, although this may be reduced in the new plans.
2. How many jobs will the Basildon data center create?
The development is expected to create up to 120 permanent jobs, contributing to the local economy.
3. What are the environmental concerns regarding the project?
Local authorities have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the Green Belt land, particularly the risk of merging Basildon and Wickford. These concerns center around the loss of natural space and the possible erosion of the towns’ distinct identities.
4. How does this project align with government policy on digital infrastructure?
The project aligns with the UK government’s policy to loosen planning restrictions for data centers on “Grey Belt” land, aiming to attract more investment in digital infrastructure.
5. What will the data center’s energy sourcing and capacity be?
Details about the data center’s energy sourcing, capacity, and IT infrastructure are still undisclosed. However, the original proposal included plans for an energy center, backup generators, and fuel storage.
